TEENAGE ENGINEERING K.O. II REVIEW
KNOCKING OUT ALL OF THE COMPETITION
K.O. II PICTURED ALONGSIDE TEENAGE ENGINEERING’S COMPUTER-1.
When the Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II first released, I was lucky enough to try out an early unit my friend picked up on launch day here in NYC. I’d been hearing the hype for a while, so I was pretty excited to finally get my hands on one. My first impression was a bit mixed, although it was clearly built cheap, it had that unmistakable TE vibe. At $299, especially considering the brand’s reputation for making overpriced products, it felt too good to be true. There were some early quality control issues, and it took a little longer than expected for some buyers to get a fully functional unit. But when I was finally gifted my own unit in December of that same year, it functioned perfectly.
When I first received the sampler, I was immediately impressed by its intuitive workflow and overall fun and quirky vibe. Starting with the unboxing/setup experience which includes installing the plastic robot-lego style knobs and fader. Not to mention all the colorful retro inspired icons on the display featuring prominently throughout the operating system. I think what impressed me the most at first, was how quick it was to program or record in a drum loop then overdub some sample slices right on top. Additionally, if you add a simple bass line and counter melody or harmony on tracks C and D, you’re most definitely off to the races! The impressive stock sound selection, featuring classic drum machine recordings and melodic samples from some of the world's most legendary gear, most certainly contributes to the pleasant user experience. Overall the workflow really allows for some gritty grooves and expressive moments straight out of the box!
In this sub $300 price range , it’s extremely hard to find better value for what this device offers. It’s loaded with features that put some samplers that have much higher price tags to shame. Overall I don’t think there’s one feature alone that sets this unit aside from the competitors. However the entire package offers so much fun and capability, punching far above its weight class. After the recent software update, the K.O. II really stands out in terms of connectivity and utility. It’s got everything you need; 999 sample slots, a handy sequencer, note repeat, song mode, resampling, USB-C, stereo I/O, MIDI, sync ports, and even more. The effects section is super versatile too, with 6 send effects and 12 punch-in effects, letting you shape your sound however you want. Even though it doesn’t have a built-in battery, it’s powered by four AAA batteries with impressive playtime. Plus, you can also use a USB-C power source for all-day use while on the go.
Although there were some initial issues, Teenage Engineering definitely listened to feedback and responded appropriately. My unit has been rock-solid since I got it, and it’s held up well with moderate use. It’s still plastic, so it’s not quite as rugged as the OP-XY, but with a dust cover or case, it’s easy to throw it in a bag and take it anywhere—whether it’s to a coffee shop, the park, or even your next gig.
If I had one gripe, it would be that I wish you could see the waveform on the screen, just like you can in the online companion app (pictured below). I almost wish they hadn’t included it there at all, unless they’re planning to do it properly in a dedicated phone app, like they did with the OP-Z. Maybe they’re hinting at something? Possibly an MK2 refresh or a K.O. II FIELD? Who knows. But for now, there’s so much to explore with the current hardware, and with Teenage Engineering’s track record, I’m sure there are plenty more software updates on the way.
EP SAMPLE TOOL: FREE ONLINE TOOL ACCESSED VIA WEB
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II sampler to any music producer looking for a versatile, fun, and relativley easy-to-use device. It’s a great entry point for anyone new to music hardware and a solid addition to any seasoned setup! The Champion 2.0 update has really made this sampler stand out, giving it the potential to grow with you as you develop your skills. I honestly wish this had been around back in 2015 when I bought my original OP-1. With a similar 4-track workflow, but with modern enhancements like USB-C and better connectivity and software support, this is by far the best value sampler for the price, hands down.
